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National Association of County
Behavioral Health & Developmental
Disability Directors
The voice of local authorities in the nation's capital

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Pinewood Derby at CPW Another Success

Westchester Rising - 4/21/2018

For the sixth year in a row the Pinewood Derby visited Cerebral Palsy of Westchester on April 13, courtesy of the Mid-Westchester Elks and Boy Scouts of America. This was the fourth year that Girl Scouts Troop 1902 participated in the race.

The Boy and Girl Scouts built their cars, which were fast and furious, equipped to race the day of the event. The cars were decorated over the past month and were ready to race them down the official Pinewood Derby Track. There were many races and the kids were jumping in excitement, waiting to hear the official winner.

The top three winners were chosen, and everyone was eager to receive their metals.

After the Girl and Boy Scouts finished their races, Jay Singer hosted the last challenge, which was girls against boys. The official winner from the Girl Scouts must race the official winner of the Boy Scouts. The race was best out of three, with the Boy Scouts winning. Everyone was excited by the end of the races, and some jumped for joy when grabbing their trophies!

The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953. It was the brainchild of Cubmaster Donald Murphy. The derby, publicized in Boys' Life in October 1954, was an instant and enduring hit. The magazine offered plans for the track and car, which featured "four wheels, four nails, and three blocks of wood." The rules of the very first race stated: "The Derby is run in heats ? two to four cars starting by gravity from a standstill on a track and run down a ramp to a finish line unaided. The track is an inclined ramp with wood strips down the center to guide the cars."

The cars still roll that way today. For more than 69 years, Cerebral Palsy

of Westchester has been the leading non-profit organization in Westchester County, providing essential services to children and adults with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. It has always been the organization's purpose to help people realize their goals, build brighter futures, and lead more independent lives as members of their community.

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